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Polish FM in Kyiv discusses possible transfer of MiG-29 jets to Ukraine

13.09.2024 23:45
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski revealed during a visit to Kyiv on Friday that Poland is considering transferring MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
Audio
Russische Prankster behaupten, sie htten mit dem Leiter der polnischen Diplomatie, Radosław Sikorski, gesprochen und sich dabei als der ehemalige ukrainische Prsident Petro Poroschenko ausgegeben. Das Auenministerium hlt den Fall fr einen Deepfake.
Russische Prankster behaupten, sie hätten mit dem Leiter der polnischen Diplomatie, Radosław Sikorski, gesprochen und sich dabei als der ehemalige ukrainische Präsident Petro Poroschenko ausgegeben. Das Außenministerium hält den Fall für einen Deepfake. Photo: EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

The announcement follows significant military support already provided, including tanks, self-propelled howitzers, and portable anti-aircraft systems, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Sikorski said that some of the Polish tanks were already being used by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, highlighting the practical impact of Poland's military aid.

“We’ve sent approximately 400 PT-91 tanks, some of which I hear are already active in the Kursk region," Sikorski said at a joint news conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha.

He added: "We have also provided 50 Krab howitzers, Piorun missile systems, and air defense equipment. We’re now considering additional options, including the potential transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets, which are urgently needed for air defense."

Help for Ukraine's energy sector

Beyond military support, Sikorski underlined Poland’s commitment to helping Ukraine secure its energy infrastructure, which has been heavily damaged by Russian attacks.

This assistance is critical as Ukraine faces heightened energy needs during the upcoming winter.

“Poland is also supporting Ukraine in ensuring its energy security," Sikorski said. "This is a priority as we approach autumn and winter, when Ukraine’s needs will outstrip the capabilities of its damaged energy sector."

'We stand with heroic, embattled Ukraine, attacked by Russia': Polish FM

He reaffirmed Poland’s steadfast backing of Ukraine, both for moral reasons and due to shared historical and political interests.

“We stand with heroic, embattled Ukraine, attacked by Russia," he declared. "We do so for historical, political, and moral reasons. Anyone with a sense of decency should stand with the victim when they are attacked, not with the aggressor."

Progress on divisive historical issues

While in Kyiv on Friday, Sikorski said he had secured commitments from Ukraine "regarding progress on the resumption of exhumations related to the Volhynia massacre."

This event, which took place during World War II, saw tens of thousands of Poles killed by Ukrainian nationalists.

The exhumations, aimed at providing Christian burials for the victims, have long been a sensitive issue between the two nations.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Sikorski said that the exhumations should not be viewed through a political lens.

“The exhumation of the Volhynia Massacre victims is not a political issue or a subject for negotiation," he said.

He added: "Some 100,000 people died. Their remains deserve a Christian burial. This is a moral duty, not a political matter. It’s part of the European value system that Ukraine is part of."

He told reporters: "We are friends as countries and as ministers. We talk about everything, including difficult issues. We must speak the truth about the Volhynia Massacre, as well as other mutual acts. At the same time, we must choose a safe future together. We are ready to discuss this."

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Source: IAR, PAP

Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska.